John Stuart Mill's work on Utilitarianism is pretty straightforward. The goal is to maximize utility by maximizing benefit and reducing the amount of suffering. In other words, all our actions have to have the purpose of happiness intended. In case of two options both ending in happiness, we are to choose the most positive one or the most desirable. Happiness is defined as the "intended pleasure and the absence of pain" and unhappiness as "pain and the privation of pleasure".
I personally prefer Mill's theory to Kant's. Mill's essay is more realistic and more relatable to our daily lives. Mill also shows us how moral issues, justice and utility intertwine. Suffering is the result of people not following Mill's ideal principle of utility. A moral way of life is in itself a reason enough to oblige.
I have enjoyed reading Mill's work on Utilitarianism, it is interesting to compare Kant and Mill's ideas of when it would be right or wrong to lie. Until we have class and Dr. Johnson can explain Mill's further, I will have to stick with Kant and say there's not a good reason to lie. But since reading Mill's I can see that my opinion may change. I do see that it is more realistic and relatable to everyday llife.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading Mill's work on Utilitarianism, it is interesting to compare Kant and Mill's ideas of when it would be right or wrong to lie. Until we have class and Dr. Johnson can explain Mill's further, I will have to stick with Kant and say there's not a good reason to lie. But since reading Mill's I can see that my opinion may change. I do see that it is more realistic and relatable to everyday llife.
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